Simon Lee has completed the F.A Child Protection Course.

Simon Lee has completed the F.A. Emergency First Aid Course.

Asfordby Tigers 3 v Mowbray Rangers 5

Trepidation was in the air at kick off considering the trouncing that the Tigers had received the last time these two sides played but worries were soon allayed because the Tigers started off with both quality and energy.

They surged forward and quickly pushed Rangers back, Henshaw-Cox was reading the game beautifully and spraying balls forward to Atherley and Thorpe who in turn were passing and moving well with Ingall and Woods and it wasn't long before Thorpe broke into the box and blasted the first goal home.

Tigers continued to press, with Hunt anchoring midfield strongly, and minutes later the ball broke into the box and Atherley looped a shot over the goalkeeper's head. A clearly stunned Rangers finally started to play and scored twice in quick succession but just before the break Thorpe again guided a ball past the goalkeeper to make the score 3 - 2 to the Tigers at half time.

Unfortunately Nickolls at centre back sustained an injury and was unable to play in the second half which required some rejigging by our excited rookie coach Hebb, with both Hunt and McCarthy standing in to help Hebb and Sharp try to hold off the second half attacks by Rangers. As the half progressed Rangers confidence grew as the Tigers players unfortunately tired and when they made it 3 -4 their relief was palpable. A fifth was scored before the end and at the final whistle and although the boys were disappointed, Rangers knew that they had been in a tough game and Tigers' pride was restored.

The first half performance by Tigers was the best of the season and man of the match has got to be Thorpe.

Asfordby Tigers 1 v Birstall 8

Another Jekyll and Hyde performance from the lads this Sunday. Once again they started brightly and matched Birstall in all departments. Woods was tackling like a terrier in defence and broke up many Birstall attacking moves whilst Thorpe and Stringer in midfield were working hard and creating chances. Cokayne surprised even himself by testing the goalkeeper with a long range effort before Atherley slotted home from close range midway through the half. This, unfortunately, seemed to galvanize Birstall into action and they poured forward and it wasn't long before they equalized and then until half time they pounded the Tigers goal mercilessly, giving the improving Riddell little chance to stem the tide.

At half time a stern team talk from the Manager and his assistant seemed to do the trick because the Tigers came out after half time with a new sense of purpose.

McCarthy was introduced on the left wing and provided some pace and guile and for the entire half the Tigers again matched Birstall and effectively stifled their attacks and towards the end were even able to enjoy a couple of good chances on goal. In conclusion, apart from a 'mad' fifteen minutes in the first half, the Tigers held their own and the scoreline is somewhat flattering to Birstall. Man of the match Nickolls put in a Captains performance in an unfamiliar defensive role, he should be proud of himself.

Asfordby Amateurs U11’s Tigers v Harborough

County Cup Wednesday 4th October 2009

11 – 2


Asfordby made a good start and dominated the possession from the first whistle, with Thorpe raiding down the left and it wasn’t long before the ball broke in the box for Atherley who volleyed the ball over the keeper for the first goal. Hunt had already produced two corners that that troubled the keeper and then swung the third straight in to goal for Tigers second. Henshaw-Cox had the opportunity to make it three seconds later but the Harborough keeper did well, only to see a similar effort from Henshaw-Cox hit the back of the net moments later. A super cross from Ingall on the wing picked out Atherley for his second, before a solo effort from Ingall sent Amateurs in at half time five goals up.

In the second half a rare attack from Harborough gave the visitors hope with a well taken goal, before the Tigers rediscovered their first half form with a powerful goal from Captain Nickolls, closely followed by a fine shot from Atherley for his hat-trick. Hunt then added another, before completing his hat-trick with a superb solo effort that bent over the keeper. Harborough then pulled a consolation goal back, but there was still time for another hat-trick, this time it was Nickolls who finished well, before going on to slot a late penalty. The score finished 11 – 2 to the Tigers with Atherley, Hunt and Nickolls left fighting it out for the match ball.

Tigers – Atherley, Hunt, Nickolls, Henshaw-Cox, Hebb, Tierney, McCarthy, Ingall, Stringer, Woods, Riddell, Thorpe, Sharp

County Cup Wednesday 16th September 2009

2 – 2, extra time 9 – 8 on penalties

Atherley 2 goals

Asfordby got off to a slow start in their first home game of the season and were soon behind to good Foxes move. Melton continued to force the pace bringing goal line clearances from Captain Nickolls and keeper Riddell. The new back four competed well with good hustling from Woods, Tierney, Hebb and McCarthy. Just before the break the wind gifted Foxes the ball, which was dispatched low into the corner to give Melton a two-goal lead at half time.

The second half was a different story with constant pressure from Tigers has they sought to get back in the game, Hunt and Henshaw-Cox gained the initiative in the midfield and a Hunt corner found Atherley on the corner of the six yard box and he produced a superb over head kick. From then on Asfordby dominated with Thorpe and Atherley again going close, before a thrilling run from Ingall who then whipped in a stunning cross, which Atherley connected with first time to make in two goals each.

Extra time followed a similar pattern with Tigers probing for the winning goal, Atherley had a wonderful opportunity to seal the game after good work from Ingall and Nickolls, beating the keeper, but seeing his effort land just the wrong side of the upright. The Tigers defence was little troubled, with Stringer reading the game well and snuffing out any signs of trouble.

With the game ending still two each it was all down to penalties. The drama was increased when the referee awarded the game to Foxes, before realising that Tigers still had one penalty of the initial five to take. No pressure then on Stringer, who lashed it in. On to sudden death and a few misses from both teams before Asfordby finally won out 9 – 8 just as the daylight disappeared.

Tigers – Atherley, Hunt, Nickolls, Henshaw-Cox, Hebb, Tierney, McCarthy, Ingall, Stringer, Woods, Riddell, Thorpe.

Asfordby Tigers 1 v Kegworth Imps 2

Tigers started this game confidently and attacked from the whistle. Putting together some great passes, on the break Hebb defended well clearing two Kegworth attempts from a tackle, as well as clearing off the line with his head. It was Nickoll’s who set up new signing Henshaw-Cox who rounded the keeper to put the home side ahead.

Moments later a Kegworth shot wrong footed the keeper making the score 1 – 1. Undeterred Asfordby kept their heads up and showed some good defensive play from Cokayne and Nickolls. A cross whipped in by Thorpe was brilliantly saved by the keeper.

The second half saw Lee and Ingall tackling fearlessly in defence and midfield helping to produce further shots by Henshaw-Cox and Atherley which all failed to find the back of the net. In a cruel twist of fate a high and hopeful ball bounced unkindly for Riddell putting Kegworth in front.
 
In the dying seconds Asfordby had a corner and all pushed up, Kegworth had several attempts at clearing the ball before it fell to Sharp who’s shot skimmed the crossbar. Despite the score line this was a positive start from the Tigers and newly appointed Manager Simon Lee was delighted with their performance.
 
Team: B. Riddell, C. Cokayne, L. Sharp, M. Lee, T. Ingall, J. Nickolls, J. Henshaw-Cox, W. Hebb, L. Thorpe, T. Atherley.
 

County Cup Game

Groby Blues 2      Asfordby Tigers 1

This first round cup clash certainly didn’t disappoint the fans, with two equally matched sides. Asfordby’s keeper Riddell making several fine saves, with Hebb and Sharp working well in defence. Man of the match Thorpe was superb in midfield and dominated play supplying crosses to Ingall and Atherley who’s shots just couldn’t find the net.

It was Asfordby who scored first with a tremendous shot by Nickoll’s from the half way line, which lobbed the keeper. Then in a cruel twist of fate Groby equalised and moments later a scramble in the Asfordby Goal saw Sharp crash against the upright and the second goal bounced off the defence in all the confusion.

The pace was still relentless during the second half and Asfordbys Lee and Cokayne  were forced to play a more defensive game with Riddell coolly collecting Grobys free kicks. Asfordby’s midfield of Hunt and Henshaw-Cox getting back well, to ensure Asfordby kept a clean sheet during this second half.

Team: B. Riddell, C. Cokayne, L. Sharp, M. Lee, T. Ingall, J. Nickolls,
J. Henshaw-Cox, W. Hebb, L. Thorpe, T. Atherley & E. Hunt.

 

Asfordby Tigers U10’s v Melbourne 3 - 0

Melbourne started brightly and had the first shot of a tight first half, before Asfordby woke up and forced a great save and goal line clearance. Then Thorpe went close for Tigers with a flashing shot across the face of goal, quickly followed by an effort from Nickolls, before Hunt shot just wide. The last action of the half saw a great save from Tigers Keeper Riddell.
 
Asfordby started the second half well with Ingall dribbling down the right and then dispatching a low shot past the keeper. Melbourne were then denied an equalizer by keeper Riddell, before a Melbourne hand ball in the box gave Atherley a chance to calmly dispatch a penalty into the corner for 2-0. Melbourne then earned a penalty for themselves, but man of the match Riddell pulled off another fine save and then another from open play to keep Melbourne at bay. The final act of the game saw Henshaw-Cox go on a run that produced a goal bound shot, which was touched in from close range by Atherley.


Team: B. Riddell, C. Cokayne, L. Sharp, M. Lee, T. Ingall, J. Nickolls, J. Henshaw-Cox, L. Thorpe, T. Atherley, E. Hunt.

Asfordby Tigers 2 v Shepshed 4 U10s

Asfordby started brightly and despite the weather and the uphill pitch scored first directly from a corner kick from Hunt. Thorpe and Nickolls then went close before Shepshed levelled. An identical move saw Shepshed double the lead and then Tigers keeper Riddell just failed to hold a long range shot which was adjudged to have crossed the line. Before half time Henshaw-Cox pulled one back for Amateurs.
After the break Amateurs defended well with excellent clearances from man of the match Lee, Cokayne and a spectacular diving header from Ingall. Keeper Riddell made 2 fine saves before Shepshed scored again and with 5 minutes to go Atherley was denied when the ref decided the ball had not crossed the line.

Team
B. Riddell, C. Cokayne, L. Sharp, M. Lee, T. Ingall, J. Nickolls, J. Henshaw-Cox, L. Thorpe, T. Atherley, E.Hunt. W. Hebb.

Asfordby Amateurs Tigers 3 v Glenfield U10’s 3

Asfordby started slowly in blustery conditions and were tested at the back with Hebb and Lee defending well and keeper Riddell making two great saves pushing one on to the post. Against the wind Henshaw-Cox worked hard on the right wing to provide for Atherley who’s shot failed to trouble the keeper. Glenfield then scored after some great forward play.

In the second half Asfordby had the wind and a new momentum and shortly after the restart keeper Riddell’s long kick bounced in front of the Glenfield keeper who parried the ball up into the air and Atherley nipped in and headed into the net. Man of the match Nickolls was now marshalling the defence alongside Cokayne and a quick break found Hunt in space, he turned the Glenfield defenders inside out before dispatching his shot into the bottom corner. Ingall delivered some great balls into the box and Thorpe provided great protection for the defence whilst playing more defence splitting passes, however the third goal came from a strong forward ball from Nickolls that was spilled by the keeper only for Atherley to grab his second. Glenfield showed great resilience and fought back with a well-placed shot and a fantastic volley to level the match. 

Tigers

B. Riddell, C Cokayne, M. Lee, W. Hebb, E. Hunt, J. Henshaw-Cox, J Nickolls, L. Thorpe, T Ingall, T. Atherley

Asfordby Amateurs Tigers 3 v Barrow U10’s 0

Asfordby went to top of the league Barrow looking to extend their run to four games unbeaten and got off to a great start with Hunt raiding down the left and Henshaw-Cox on the right. However it was Barrow who produced the first two clear opportunities and only brilliant defending from Lee and Cokayne kept the game level. Five minutes before half time keeper Riddell, fresh from making two fine saves delivered a ball to Atherley, he flicked on for Nickolls who dispatched a well-placed shot across the keeper and into the net.

After the break Tigers came under more pressure with Hebb and Sharp called into action at the back. It wasn’t long before Asfordby started to attack at will and after great work from Ingall had released Nickolls on the left, he beat two defenders and crossed to the back post for Atherley to head home. Thorpe had numerous chances to increase the scoring, forcing the Barrow keeper to make two fine saves, before his good work released Nickolls on the right who this time crossed low for Man of the Match Atherley to score his second goal of the game.

Tigers

B. Riddell, C Cockayne, M. Lee, W. Hebb, E. Hunt, J. Henshaw-Cox, J Nickolls, L. Thorpe, T Ingall, T. Atherley, L Sharp

Asfordby Amateurs Tigers 0 v Shepshed U10’s 0

In the first half Asfordby battled the elements as well as Shepshed. Keeper Riddell making a string of saves and keen defending from Lee and Hebb keeping Tigers in the game early on. Thorpe collected the ball in midfield and after a powerful run, shot just wide, moments later Henshaw-Cox bought a save out of the keeper at the near post, before Nickolls cleared off the line to keep it scoreless at half time.

In the second half Tigers had the wind and began to dominant the play with excellent work from Hunt, found Atherley whose shot was saved by the keeper. In another great passing move, Ingall and Nickolls combined to play in Atherley whose shot beat the keeper, but was stopped on the line by the defender. Asfordby had to defend late on with good work from Cockayne and Sharp and in the end a draw seemed a fair result, with the wind being the true winner.

Tigers : B. Riddell, C Cockayne, M. Lee, W. Hebb, E. Hunt, J. Henshaw-Cox, J Nickolls, L. Thorpe, T Ingall, T. Atherley

Asfordby Amateurs Tigers v Barrow U10’s 15/03/08

5 – 1

Asfordby hosted Barrow hoping to stop them claiming the league title and they were in confident mood from the off. A fine ball from Thorpe released Nickolls who crossed for Atherley to put just wide, moments later a carbon copy move saw Hebb clear from defence to Nickolls on the right whose cross found Atherley and this time he made no mistake with a supurb volley. Tigers were dominant in defence with keeper Riddell having little to do thanks to great work from Cockayne. Nickolls had a speculative shot saved by the keeper, who could only parry for Atherley who got his fourteenth goal of the season. A late and controversial penalty gave Barrow lifeline moments before the break.

In the second half Asfordby bossed the midfield with Hunt dominating the play and Lee and Sharp confidently stepping out of defence. It wasn’t long before another shot from Nickolls caused a fumble from the keeper for Ingall to fire home, quickly followed by Ingall’s second as he smashed the ball low into the net. The final act of the match saw a great through ball from Hunt dispatched low under the keeper by Henshaw-Cox to make it 5. Other results meant that Barrow still ended up as champions.

Tigers

B. Riddell, C Cockayne, M. Lee, W. Hebb, E. Hunt, J. Henshaw-Cox, J Nickolls, L. Thorpe, T Ingall, T. Atherley, L Sharp